Goliad School is one of the few forgotten schools of Galveston, Texas that was operated by Galveston ISD. Not very much is known about this Galveston ISD school. Its own history seems to have been forgotten. Not many people knew that Goliad School existed.
Goliad School was built in 1884 and would open in 1885. Goliad School operated as an elementary school called Goliad Elementary School. Goliad School was first known as the 3rd District School before being renamed to Goliad School. Exactly when the school was renamed is unknown. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth551444/)
Galveston ISD designated Goliad School (3rd District School) as a Mexican school to educate Hispanic students from the beginning. Goliad Elementary School was known as the “Mexican School” and was completely segregated. The school would remain segregate for more than 50 years. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth987536/)
The Goliad School started appearing on topographical maps in the 1890s as “Goliad School”. Goliad School would start appearing on topographical maps for Galveston County as “Goliad School” in 1891. (Ref: Galveston County 1891 Wall Map)
One half of Goliad School aka Goliad Elementary School was converted into a junior high school called Goliad Junior High School in 1947 during the 1947-1948 school year. Both schools were in the same building. Galveston ISD made ensured both schools used the same building. Goliad Junior High School was established. Galveston News reported Goliad Junior High School as being “a junior high school for negro children”. (Ref: Galveston News, 8-B, October 7, 1962)
R. F. Sterling served as the principal of Goliad Junior High School throughout much of its time of operation. He served as principal until Goliad Junior High School was closed by Galveston ISD in 1978. (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/30144620/)
Bedford Marion McKenzie became principal of Goliad Elementary School in 1948 later moving on to serve Galveston Independent School District as Asst. Superintendent and director of Personnel (Ref: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/120791811/bedford-marion-mckenzie)
The installation of a boiler was added at Goliad school on a bid of $15,985 in 1962. A roof was installed and repaired at Goliad Elementary School in 1963.
A report of the education committee includes a discussion of the proposed closing of Goliad School was reported in the Galveston Daily in 1973. However nothing happened. Goliad School still continued to operate. (Ref: Galveston Daily, Page 6, Saturday, March 17, 1973)
Goliad School was deemed inferior physically and academically by the Galveston ISD school board in 1975. However Galveston ISD still allowed classes to resume inside the school building. The school was renamed L. A. Morgan Elementary School (Morgan Elementary School) in the year 1975. From then on, the school would operate as Morgan Elementary School until 1978 when the school closed. (Ref: Galveston Daily, Page 2, Thursday, May 28, 1981)
A lady named Jewell Banks was made and named principal of Morgan Elementary School. Jewell Banks served as principal of Morgan Elementary School until 1978.
1978 was the year when Morgan Elementary School and Goliad School were forced to close down due to racial desegregation. These schools were found in violation of the Brown vs. the Board of Education decision deeming racial segregation unconstitutional.
“HEW has been displeased also with "de facto" segregation in Goliad and Carver elementary schools. Although the district has gone into federal court to seek relief from certain HEW desegregation regulations, the integration issue remains a point of controversy within the district.” (Ref: https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/16918877/)
Racial imbalance and aging infrastructure are the reasons why Goliad Elementary School and Goliad Junior High School were forced to close down.
Goliad School was sold at the closing end of 1978. The Galveston ISD School Board accepted the high bids for the sale of Lovenberg Junior High School, Goliad Junior High School, and Goliad Elementary School on the night of Wednesday, December 6, 1978. Thomas J. Green, of Green's Funeral Home, had the highest bid of $62,000 for the Goliad School. (Ref: Galveston Daily News, Page 1, Thursday, December 7, 1978)
Sometime before 1994 is when Goliad School was demolished. All that was left was a vacant field of grass by 1995. In 1997, Galveston Housing Authority's Hoskins Square low-cost home development/subdivision was built and developed on the old Goliad Elementary School site at 31st Street and Avenue K. Funding was through the Public Housing Assistance Corp. of the Galveston Housing Authority. Nearly 21 homes were built on the site at the one-block area.
Today nothing remains of the former Goliad School site. All remnants have been paved over and removed from vicinity.
Goliad School was located at 30th Street and Avenue L, Galveston, Texas, US 77550.
My grandfather was a principal of Goliad School in the 40's and then principal of Brewer W Key 45-46. Is there any history on Brewer W Key school?
ReplyDeleteThere is some history on Brewer W Key School in this link. https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~cousinsearching/genealogy/key.html
DeleteI was one of the Golid Elementary students . Golid school was filled with such love and the best education for many black children in Galveston. It sad to know this is considered one of the forgotten history.
ReplyDeleteI attended Goliad in the late 60's. All Black then.
ReplyDeleteI attended Goliad elementary in the early/mid 1970's. I was one of the few white kids there.
ReplyDeleteI attended in he he 70's as well lots of memories the school song "Goliad we will honor you ,loyalty we bring to you. Jimmy Washington.
DeleteI live on 30th St between Broadway & K and went to Goliad Jr. Hi School. It was a great school and well maintained by Custodian Taylor which also maintained Booker T. Washington Elementary School.
ReplyDeleteGISD should be a shamed as all remnants of Mid Island (primarily black) was washed away. Most student from Goliad would continue their education at Central High School (that's a whole other story).
Great teachers and coaches provided us the foundation for the black kids from mid Island a rich history and education to continue our college education and start our career.
Love GOLIAD JR. HIGH TIGERS.......by Larry Felder
I remember Gliad being an Elementary School(kindergartentto to 5th) until L A Morgan was built in a different location. The building called Goliad was never called LA Morgan.
ReplyDeleteIts deplorable that racism was still lingering even after fed laws established desegregation
ReplyDeleteI attended Goliad Elementary in the 1960’s. Principal Jewel Banks and all the teachers , coaches, librarians and office staff was richly amazing. School song Goliad Goliad we will honor you, loyalty we bring to you our colors are true blue. This was a time where young black children cared about each other and the love we had will never be forgotten.
ReplyDelete